Bars across Japan erupted with joy on Tuesday night as football fans exchanged beery hugs after their team stunned Colombia 2-1 in their World Cup opener in Russia.

Many supporters, the majority the worse for wear after a boozy evening glued to the television, celebrated with one for the road — while still managing to keep one eye on the clock to check they could make trains home.

In Tokyo, former England captain David Beckham sprinkled some stardust on a city that once sculpted a life-size chocolate statue in his image when he appeared at half-time at a public viewing event.

“You beauty!” screamed Ken Adachi, a 36-year-old computer salesman, almost falling off his stool in a Tokyo sports bar when Yuya Osako scored Japan’s second goal against 10-man Colombia.

“I didn’t think we had much of a chance against a team from South America,” admitted Adachi after the final whistle sounded a little before 11pm local time.

“Revenge is sweet though.” Thrashed 4-1 by Colombia at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Japan’s unexpected victory came courtesy of a header from Osako after Juan Quintero’s clever free kick had cancelled out Shinji Kagawa’s early penalty in Saransk.

“That was so amazing,” squealed 21-year-old student Kaori Hagino, her nails painted red and white in the colours of Japan’s national flag.

Japan supporters won the World Cup.Source:AP

“Maybe now we can get to the final,” she added hopefully, downing a gin and tonic. “Anyway I’ll have a few more drinks tonight to celebrate.”

- Police vans -

Hundreds of fans wearing blue Japan shirts spilled out onto the iconic scramble crossing in Tokyo’s trendy Shibuya district to chant football songs as the revelry continued.

As many over-exuberant supporters weaved in and out of cars, police perched on vans with loudspeakers politely urged them to obey the traffic lights.

Few of those watching on giant screens in a bar close by cared that Colombia had been reduced to 10 men after just three minutes for a handball by Carlos Sanchez.